What do the numbers at the bottom of a check mean?

Left side: The first set of numbers on the bottom of a check are the bank's routing number. The middle: The next set is your account number. Right side: This last set last set is the bank's fractional number, which contains parts of the bank routing number.

How can I tell if a check is valid?

A valid check must have the Payee, Dollar Box, and Amount information filled out completely, and must be signed at the bottom. The date on the check must also be valid, as many checks expire after 60 to 90 days.

Can I deposit a check without a routing number?

While you may deposit a check without a routing number, you'd have to do it in-branch, and your bank will have to make a special exception. But if the routing number is missing, you may be holding a fictitious check and you may not deposit it at all.

What's the difference between a personal and business check?

A personal check is attached to a personal checking account, while a business check is attached to a business checking account.

How do I endorse a check properly?

To endorse a check, you'll need to turn it over, and sign it on the endorsement line on the back.

How to properly read a check?

The routing number is the first set of digits on the bottom of a check. This number identifies your bank. The second set is the account number, linked to your specific bank account. The final set is the check number, which identifies the individual check.

Which number on a check is the routing number?

The routing number is the nine-digit number located at the bottom left of a check. This number tells you which bank issued the check. It is used for direct deposits, wire transfers and other transactions.

How can you tell what bank a check is from?

You can identify the issuing bank by looking at the name printed on the check, usually located under the memo line. You can also use the routing number at the bottom of the check to confirm the bank.

How can you tell if a check is real or fake?

To verify if a check is real, look for security features like watermarks or color-shifting ink. Verify the bank information, including the routing number, to see if it matches the issuing bank. If anything seems off, contact the bank directly to confirm its validity.

How do you read a business check?

Reading a business check is similar to reading a personal check. The routing number, account number and check number are located along the bottom of the check. However, business checks may include additional details, such as the company name, logo or custom fields for record-keeping.

Where is the check number on a check?

The check number is located in two places: the top right corner of the check and the far right along the bottom.

How to use a checkbook for beginners?

Checks allow you to make a payment directly from a linked checking account. You can fill out a check in the name of a person or business you're paying, which is the payee, the amount of the check, which are the dollar box and check amount, along with the date of the check. Finally, you'll sign the check to validate the payment. Your checkbook contains checks that link directly to your checking account.

How to write $25.50 on a check?

In the dollar box on a check, you'll simply write it as "$25.50" on the check. On the "Amount" line below the dollar box, you'll write the amount in words. For a $25.50 check, you'd write "Twenty Five and 50/100" to represent the dollars and cents.

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How To Read a Check: A Beginner’s Guide

September 22, 2025

8 min Read

Written by Jacob Wade

Edited by Melanie Grafil

Woman in a cafe depositing a check via smartphone, showcasing the convenience of mobile banking.

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Paper checks may seem outdated these days, but they still play an important role in many financial transactions. Whether you’re setting up direct deposit, arranging a wire transfer or keeping records, knowing how to read a check is a life skill you should have.

Below, you’ll see each part of a check and where to find information, like your routing and account numbers.

What Are the Parts of a Check?

Checks have 12 distinct parts with important information in each. The parts of a check include:

Personal information
Payee line
Dollar box
Check amount — written out
Memo line
Date line
Signature line
Bank name
Routing number
Account number
Check number
Bank’s fractional number

The 12 Parts of a Check You Need to Know

Traditional checks have 12 distinct sections that contain information that you need to know. Whether you’re cashing a check, or writing one yourself, here’s the part of a check you need to be familiar with:

1. Personal Information

In the upper left corner, you’ll see the name and address of the check’s owner. This identifies who the checking account belongs to. This may include two names if the account is a joint account.

2. Payee Line

Below the personal information, you’ll find the phrase “Pay to the Order Of.” This indicates who will receive the money. If the check is made out to you, endorse — or sign — the back only when you’re ready to cash or deposit it. Doing so too early can pose a security risk if the check is lost or stolen.

3. Dollar Box

The dollar box — usually to the right of the payee line — displays the numerical value of the check, for example, “$20.65.” This box may be labeled “Amount,” as it represents the value of the check itself. Make sure to write the amount as close to the left edge of the box as possible, so no one can alter the figure.

Begin writing as close to the left side of the box as possible, with the dollar sign snug against the first number. You don’t want someone to alter the check to $2,220.65.

4. Check Amount — Written Out

Directly below the payee line, you’ll see a line to spell out the check’s amount in words. Cents should still be written in numerical form as a fraction.

For instance, write “Twenty dollars and 65/100” for a $20.65 check. If space remains after writing the amount, draw a line through it to prevent any alterations.

5. Memo Line

The memo line is optional, but helpful for noting why the check was written. For example, if you’re paying rent, you might write “September 2025 Rent” to track that month’s payment. This can help you keep your records accurate — and it will show up on the check copy.

6. Date Line

This is the date the check is written. Some people postdate checks if funds won’t be available until a specific future date. However, banks can often still process a check immediately. Most checks expire after around six months after the check date, so make sure to cash any checks before expiration based on the date line.

Sometimes, the paying party might postdate the check to indicate when the payee should cash it. For example, you might make out the check on March 5, but write March 15 on the date line. This is often done if account funds won’t be available until a specified future time.

Although the payee potentially could take this as a direction to wait before cashing a check, the check is valid from the moment it’s signed by the issuer. The payee doesn’t have to wait until the date on the date line to cash the check.

If the payee attempts to cash the check before the date on this line and the check bounces, the person who wrote the check and the one who cashes it could face fees from their bank.

7. Signature Line

The account holder, or issuer, signs here to authorize the payment. This signature validates the check, and the signature will not be transferred to the check copy under the original check.

8. Bank Name

You’ll find the bank’s name somewhere on the check, often in the bottom left area. The bank’s address and phone number may be listed as well. If you have questions or concerns about a check’s validity, contact the bank listed.

9. Routing Number

The first set of digits at the bottom of the check is the routing number, usually nine digits long. This number identifies the bank and is required to set up direct deposit and electronic payments.

Banks usually have one routing number for personal accounts, but may have different routing numbers for different types of accounts.

If you’re wondering how to read a routing number on a check, focus on the first set of digits at the bottom. You’ll use this number to set up direct deposits and recurring payments. Some banks will have more than one routing number, depending on their size, so always make sure you’re using the correct one before setting up these types of payments.

10. Account Number

The second set of digits along the bottom is your account number, which links directly to the checking account from which the funds will be withdrawn. Remember to keep this information protected, as thieves can obtain this information from a discarded check or checkbook and attempt to steal funds directly from your account.

11. Check Number

You’ll see a check number in two places: the bottom right corner as the last set of digits and the top right corner. Each check has a unique number to help track payments.

12. Bank’s Fractional Number

Toward the top right corner, you may notice a fractional number containing parts of your routing information. This was more commonly used in the past. Today, it’s not frequently referenced, because the routing number and account number already help identify the source of the funds properly.

How To Read a Check: Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s the steps you need to check to properly read a check:

Locate the personal information to identify the account holder: Make sure you’re cashing a check from the correct account holder.
Find the payee line to see who the check is made out to: If you’re receiving a check, it’s important the check has your full name — or the name of your company — written out on the Payee line.
Check the dollar box and written amount for payment details: To ensure the check is the proper amount, you’ll need to verify both the dollar box amount — numbers — and the written amount, which is the amount written in words, and make sure they both match.
Verify the date line to ensure the check is valid: Check dates matter, and most checks expire after 60 to 90 days of being written. Make sure the date is valid and the check can be cashed.
Look for the signature line to confirm authorization: If a check isn’t signed, it isn’t valid. Make sure the signature line is signed properly before attempting to cash.
Identify the routing and account numbers at the bottom: Both routing and account numbers verify which account the check is withdrawn from. If these numbers are missing, the check is not valid.

Routing and Account Numbers: What You Need To Know

Routing and account numbers are specific identifiers that tell banks how to transfer funds, and which account to withdraw from when cashing a check. Here’s how they work:

Routing number: Identifies the bank the funds are coming from.
Account number: Links to your specific account to withdraw funds from.

If you’re depositing a check electronically, don’t mix up these numbers or your check won’t get deposited.

How To Find Your Account and Routing Numbers if You Don’t Have a Check

If you don’t have a physical check handy, you can still find your routing and account numbers by:

Using the ABA routing number lookup tool
Checking your bank’s website
Using your bank’s mobile app
Reviewing your monthly bank statement
Calling or visiting your bank in person

You can also locate your account and routing numbers on your monthly bank statement. Alternatively, you can call or visit the bank to find out your routing and account numbers.

Final Takeaway: Why Knowing How To Read a Check Matters

Understanding how to read a check is a simple yet essential skill that can save you time and prevent costly mistakes. Whether you’re setting up direct deposits or verifying payments, knowing where to find key details like the routing and account numbers ensures smooth financial transactions.

Erika Giovanetti and Caitlyn Moorhead contributed to the reporting for this article.

Our in-house research team and on-site financial experts work together to create content that’s accurate, impartial, and up to date. We fact-check every single statistic, quote and fact using trusted primary resources to make sure the information we provide is correct. You can learn more about GOBankingRates’ processes and standards in our editorial policy.